WEEk of aprIl 12, 2023 FLIER INSIDE
Full shopping carts Winn-Dixie food drive helps stock the shelves at Pine Island Food Pantry — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 46, NumbEr 49
GPICA hears presentations on parks, health care and a brewing battle over the Chiquita Boat Lock By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
At its meeting Tuesday, April 4, the Greater Pine Island Civic Association heard presentations from the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department, the Samaritan Health and Wellness Center and Mike Hannon, president of the Matlacha Civic Association. Lee County Parks and Recreation Director Mack Young updated members on the post-hurricane condition of parks on Pine Island. Many community areas are still
awaiting FEMA inspections for approval in order to begin repair work. Galt Preserve, he said, is partially open. The county is currently seeking a location to hold an affordable summer camp, in place of the Matlacha Community Park. Anything with an open floor plan could potentially work to make this happen. Young invited members to attend Lee County Parks and Recreation board meetings online for updates. Doctor Susan Hook, NP, explained the work of the Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, beginning a clin-
ic at the Beacon of Hope on Pine Island. The mission, she said, is to care for those who are under insured or uninsured. “It’s going to be very affordable. We are a non-profit organization. We are faith-based Christ-centered, but everybody is welcome, it doesn’t matter … we just want to take care of people,” Hook said. The clinic is operating at the Beacon every other See GPICA, page 14
PIE’s Thorpe headed to STEM Camp in Miami By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Pine Island Elementary School 5th-grader Aaron Thorpe is the one elementary student who has been chosen by the county to go to STEM Camp, in Miami, from June 18-25, said his mother, Lisa Soffe. STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is a program offered by the Lee County School District. “Two years ago, Pine Island Elementary was granted See THORPE, page 11
25th Annual Bobby Holloway Fishing Tournament sees best turnout ever By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
The day was perfect, said Ernestine Holloway Squires, concerning the recent 25th Annual Bobby Holloway Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament. The event, she said, is broken up almost as though it’s two separate tournaments. “We have the kids, which are the ‘Lil Bobbers. They go out at 8 a.m. and come back in at 1:30 and then we have their dinner, and do their awards. The kids get up and talk and it's just fun. And then the adults come in at 3 and they have their dinner. We do awards and then we do our raffles,” Squires said. The annual event grants many kids an opportunity
to fish out on a boat with a local guide, as Squires said most of the tournament kids have never had the chance to do these things. She is hopeful, for many, the event is an introduction to a world opened up by the water and the outdoors. It’s not uncommon, she explained, for someone to See HOLLOWAY, page 9 Lil Bobber Capt. Ryan Walsh with “Team Catfishers” at the Holloway Tournament. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ERNESTINE HOLLOWAY SQUIRES
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LISA SOFFE
Pine Island Elementary’s Aaron Thorpe, with teacher Regina Notarianni, was chosen for STEM Camp in Miami.
insidetoday Cat of the Week.................7 Island Mahjongg..............11 Tides................................16 Classifieds & Obituaries Athlete of the Week...........6
Dolphin Tales.....................8
On the Water....................16